Embarking on a nine-month odyssey across the vibrant landscapes of India, UK-based travel influencers Liam and Janine Day, celebrated for their YouTube channel 'Those Happy Days,' undertook a remarkable voyage of exploration and cultural immersion.
Departing from the conventional confines of their campervan, the adventurous couple opted for an autorickshaw affectionately dubbed 'Pete' as their mode of transport, traversing 9,000 kilometres from Kanyakumari to Amritsar.
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Janine shared insights into their nerve-wracking initiation into autorickshaw driving amidst the bustling chaos of Indian cities. "Liam was the driver for the whole 9,000-km rickshaw journey, and I was the passenger. Liam practised driving it for half an hour in a quiet suburb in Chennai," she disclosed.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered during their escapade through India's varied terrains, the couple expressed astonishment at the unexpected cold weather in certain regions. "Being British with no threats from wild animals, it was also a challenge getting our heads round the fact that we were potentially surrounded by elephants, leopards, and other wild animals," they revealed to the publication.
Their journey also led them to navigate the treacherous roads of the Western Ghat mountains, an endeavor they acknowledged as risky, especially with a 20-year-old rickshaw. However, amidst the perils, they found moments of joy and camaraderie, such as their unforgettable celebration of Mahashivratri with Sadhguru.
Recalling the eventful night at Sadhguru's ashram, the couple humorously recounted returning to find two unexpected guests asleep inside 'Pete'. "Experiencing the kindness we had hoped existed in the world, but only upon coming to India did we truly find it," they emphasised, reflecting on the warmth and hospitality they encountered throughout their journey.
As their Indian expedition drew to a close, Liam and Janine made a poignant gesture by donating 'Pete' to a dog sanctuary in Amritsar. The autorickshaw was repurposed into a dog ambulance, facilitating numerous rescues and garnering substantial support through their documentary video, which raised thousands of dollars for the sanctuary.
With their unconventional journey leaving an indelible mark on both their lives and the communities they encountered, Liam and Janine bid farewell to India, cherishing the memories and lessons gleaned from their extraordinary adventure.
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